The shopping experience is as unique and as diversified as the shoppers themselves. For most, however, it is a sort of controlled chaos, only satisfied by the occasional “find.” But what if there was more “control,” but a lot less “chaos” and (oh, yeah!) those treasured “finds” jumping out to find you, almost calling your name. Well, that would be like living a vintage life in an uptown style.
“Downtown is really common and denotes a central business location for commerce,” said Peggy Stansbury, proprietor. “But uptown is the place where the people meet. Anytime someone thinks of high quality taken from a period of time, it’s marked by its vintage. Hence, our name, Uptown Vintage, which means to bring quality within the people’s reach.”
Strategically located in the heart of historic Huntsville, every effort is made and tended to in fine detail. Each display can easily rival any of the nation’s upscale and pricey department stores.
As with any business, the key element is to locate a niche that fills a need. “People love to go searching for treasure,” Stansbury said. “Every day the doors open, our patrons have the thrill of the hunt in their eyes.” Realizing that “hunters” need an outlet, Uptown Vintage provides the space and professionalism, along with the oh-so important trendy quality coveted by vendors and “treasure hunters” alike.
“I think having some of the things found in this store brings back a little bit of a simpler time,” said one shopper. “You really get to appreciate the craftsmanship, because so much of it has stood the test of time.” Indeed. Remember the indestructible Tonka truck? Prized by kids of an earlier generation, looks as good as new. These will be passed down to a new generation that still can’t bust ‘em. Have a love of music? Former high school musicians can relive the past with a collection of instruments. Play with the flair of Percy Heep on the slide trombone. Big band swing on the clarinet. Jazz anyone? They even have saxophones. Diatonic harmonica? Well, keep checking for that one, but give it some time.
Perhaps the best way to describe Uptown Vintage is by way of a feeling—the sensation one experiences when something enjoyed is made by those who enjoy the same thing.
The vendors provide a local feel and intimate touch with the surrounding culture, displaying what they like in the manner that was attractive to them. The formula has worked, providing a sense and comfort comparable to almost shopping at home.
In keeping with the theme of the store, you will not find a cash register here unless it’s for sale. Stansbury, who retired after more than 30 years in accounting with several major oil companies, seems to figure numbers accurately without the aid of pencil or paper. But to put her customers at ease, she uses a calculator. Over the cashier’s desk hangs a beautiful handcrafted sign that politely instructs patrons where to pay. “It’s funny when some of our younger customers look a little out of sorts when they are ready to check out,” Stansbury said, recalling the first few days the store opened. “I was able to make this (sign), and it just fit so well with the décor.”
“When we first got this location, my biggest fear was we would never fill this building. But, we filled up so quickly we had to expand. Now that it has filled, we are expanding to include more space. We’ve taken down doors, and we’ve taken down some walls to expand it into one entire building that you see right now. This gives it a more cohesive effect, and it looks great.” People love this and shopping is a breeze.
Contact Information:
(936) 439-6595
1215 Sam Houston Ave
Huntsville, TX 77340-4637
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers. To learn more call 936-293-1188.